NOUN VC: Nigeria must embrace migration as catalyst for sustainable development

Olufemi Peters, the vice-chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), says Nigeria must embrace migration as catalyst for sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 international conference on migration and sustainable development on Tuesday, the VC said Nigerians must stop seeing migration as a threat to the country’s development.

“We must shift the narrative on migration from viewing it as a threat to embracing it as a catalyst for sustainable development,” he said.

He cited the United States as a model, where migrants have been key to driving social and economic progress, contributing both labour and innovation.

He also acknowledged the positive impact of remittances sent by migrants back to their home countries, which can significantly reduce poverty.

The professor canvassed for the creation of safe and legal pathways for migration.

“Migration must not merely be seen as a survival strategy, but a source of opportunity, equity, and shared prosperity,” the NOUN VC added.

He urged all stakeholders—governments, institutions, and civil society—to work together to shape policies that support migrants’ dignity and well-being.

The conference, which brings together policymakers, academics, and experts in migration and development, will explore solutions that aim to turn migration into a tool for sustainable global development.

Peters appealed for increased funding to support the Centre of Excellence in Migration and Global Studies (CEMGS) at NOUN which organised the conference.

He expressed gratitude to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its initial seed funding and commended the centre for its efforts in advancing migration research and discussions.

According to him, the centre has played a pivotal role in addressing migration challenges in Nigeria through its regular seminars and webinars on contemporary migration issues.

Gloria Anetor, the director of the CEMGS, said the vision of the centre is to serve as the bridge between humanity and the future, adding that the mission includes to provide sustainable leverage for interdisciplinary research in migration and global studies.

“The centre serves as a fulcrum of research on migration, both internal and external. It is a hinge of evidence-based research about pressing and emerging migration challenges in Nigeria, Africa and the globe,” Anetor said.

“The centre has been growing steadily since its inception and meeting up steadfastly with accomplishing its vision, mission and mandates.

“Being a fulcrum of research on migration, the centre has to carry out cutting edge research. Therefore, it is necessary for the centre to float postgraduate programmes in migration and global studies which can be further achieved through financial support and update of its mandates.

“With more of such financial support, the centre can get to a greater height being a Centre of Excellence in a tertiary institution.”